Sentient opposes the
greyhound racing industry on both ethical and welfare grounds. This industry is
about gaming; it is a non-essential use of animals for entertainment that
exploits the natural behaviour of dogs, whose worth is based entirely on their
speed, and hence, their ability to generate profit. An inevitable outcome is
the accepted industry view of these dogs as disposable, rather than as sentient
beings with inherent worth, deserving of lifelong guardianship. From this arise
the multiple and widespread welfare problems endemic to greyhound racing.

Firstly, this industry is
a major contributor to the problem of dog overpopulation, through its reckless
overbreeding and callous disposal of countless unwanted greyhounds. Shamefully,
these dogs are referred to within the industry as ‘wastage’. This is usually
dealt with by killing young, healthy dogs. Such is the fate of approximately
17,000 greyhounds annually, and not all are disposed of humanely. Very few are rehomed.

Increasingly, a new method
of greyhound disposal is live export for racing purposes, currently to China,
Vietnam and South Korea. This is despite the welfare risks of long distance
transport, and the lack of established animal welfare legislation, industry
regulation, or adoption programs in the importing countries. These new
industries are renowned for harsh conditions and high killing rates of dogs. With
no tracing system in place, a further risk is that unwanted greyhounds could
enter the dog meat trade.

During their time in the
industry, many greyhounds are exposed to the treatment faced by factory-farmed
animals. Most pups are bred in intensive, puppy mill conditions. Racing
greyhounds spend up to 20 hours a day confined in small crates or enclosures.
They are typically denied environmental enrichment or significant human
interaction. Being raised under such regimented conditions, dogs are not
introduced to new situations during the crucial puppy socialisation period. Along
with a lack of basic training, this predisposes them to a range of behaviour
problems, reducing their suitability for rehoming.

Heat stress is an ongoing
risk during both transport to race tracks, and being raced in high ambient
temperatures. Training methods are not standardised and have been described in a
government-funded report as ‘flawed or unacceptable’. The unacceptably high
injury and death rates for greyhounds during racing and training are not
consistently reported. Furthermore, the administration of banned or illegal
substances to racing greyhounds continues to be widespread. These include
anabolic steroids, cocaine and amphetamines. The use of any of these substances
can cause suffering and potential death of dogs.

All these welfare issues
are maintained by the autonomy and self-regulation currently granted to the
greyhound racing industry. While the industry continues, it must be subjected
to independent scrutiny and government regulation.

Sentient also proposes the
implementation and enforcement of mandatory industry standards. These must
include the following: compulsory registration and microchipping of all
greyhounds, with this information stored on a national database to enable lifetime
tracking; breeding programmes to reduce the number of pups born; more frequent
spot tests of banned substances; transparent reporting of injuries, deaths,
euthanasia and rehoming; and industry-supported rehoming of all healthy
greyhounds of sound temperament.

We must acknowledge,
however, that this industry’s agenda makes it unlikely that regulations will
ever be sufficient to guarantee acceptable welfare standards.

As a veterinary-driven
organisation, Sentient advocates for an end to the greyhound racing industry.
We call for an immediate moratorium on the live export of greyhounds for racing
or breeding, to be supported by a legislative ban. And whilst we welcome any significant improvements
to the welfare of racing greyhounds, Sentient will continue to lobby for this
industry to ultimately be banned in all states and territories of Australia.The Gone Are the Dogs Rally in Sydney coincides with the public hearing set down for the current NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into Greyhound Racing. Visit the website, or head down to Martin Place amphitheatre (between Pitt & Castlereagh streets) from 8-10am.

Veterinary Ethics: Navigating Tough Cases

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